War, Women, and the News

A parent would reach for this book when their teen expresses a desire to challenge social norms or feels discouraged by the limitations placed on their gender or identity. It is an ideal pick for a young person who values truth-telling and seeks real-life examples of grit in the face of institutional pushback. The book documents the pioneers who transitioned from the 'women's pages' of newspapers to the front lines of World War II, risking their lives to report on the reality of combat. Through the stories of journalists like Margaret Bourke-White and Martha Gellhorn, the narrative explores themes of bravery, resilience, and the fight for professional justice. Parents will appreciate how it balances historical education with the emotional weight of being an outsider proving one's worth. While it deals with the realities of war, it focuses on the internal drive and external obstacles these women faced, making it a powerful resource for building self-confidence and a sense of historical agency in readers aged 12 and up.